A late Christmas present for James?

(OMG, I uploaded the photos 4 days ago to start this blog ... and forgot to finish it)

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James had talked about a hybrid car for a while. When Helen announced that she and William would visit at Christmas we asked whether she would want to swap cars with her Dad. Her car was aging and repairs had started. We had even considered to rent her a car for the 600 miles drive. She did not have to decide before the visit but we suggested if she was considering it she should bring her title. 

Well, she did like the idea and the swap was made. So, her car was the one James traded in for his new one. 

Of course the present car buying situation is one like never before. The pandemic, closed manufacturing places for some time, supply chain problem and transportation issues caused that dealers don't have much to sell. James had decided what he wanted and called our local dealer. He wasn't even interested in talking. But one further away where James had bought his previous car because they are so easy to deal with was helpful on the phone. Unfortunately he had been a day late. The car market is very interesting. 

Yes, they had told him that they had received a car the day before and sold the same day. So, eventually, when the weather was favorable, we made the drive to the next town to get better informed. It was very helpful. The salesperson was very nice and found out that one "not yet spoken for" car (like James wanted it) would arrive between January 4 - 8 and one in mid February. Guess on which one James wanted his name on? This meant we had first dibs but if we didn't like it, we were not bound to buying it. Frankly, it was a no-brainer. 

Thursday the 6th James got the call. Unfortunately I had an appointment the next day in the middle of the day. Fortunately I was able to change it to the following week. I didn't want James to have to wait. 

January 7: And here he is. The paperwork always takes a while so we got a very late lunch. But of course it had to be Chinese food. Family tradition. It used to be Chong's in Paducah, KY. One time we didn't do it and somebody ran into the new car. Since then it is a fun way to celebrate. 

Everybody wants to play with their new toy. So when I suggested a visit to the Hanover Museum of History & Culture James was all for it. Of course I had an ulterior motive. My favorite quilt group The County School Quilters (meet monthly in Montpelier) had agreed to a quilt exhibition and asked us members to contribute. I offered my 4 little 'Round Robins' and the curator really wanted them. 

This is how that corner next to my bed looks at the moment:

The new museum was just established last August in the historic courthouse because the County is celebrating the 300 year anniversary. We had never been in Hanover and had not realized how much history there is. 

We were very impressed with the museum and the exhibition. Of course I have seen many of my quilting friends' works but we were the only visitors and could take our time. Of course I have more photos but here are those of my 'minis'.

Above another of the historic buildings. There were signs were we could read about some of the history and we had a good time. Glad we went. Note from James: he likes his new car!

I am a person who takes things as they come. I am grateful for every day no matter what. In summer, when people complain how hot it is, I usually say "I am not complaining because I complain in winter and you only can complain once. Yesterday I phoned a lace friend in Germany and told her that we had "German weather" = a gray sky. We already had several winter storms this season but whenever we can we go for our walks. But a blue sky makes me really happy.

Blue sky on this day but it was still cold even though the sun was shining. My mother always looked at the good in bad things. Here is the good: of course I usually don't wear a mask outsides but this day it really cold and kept my face comfortably warm. Yeah!

We had several inches of snow. We had frost and freezing cold days. But look at these daffodils. Buds! They are popping up in many of our neighbors' yards. So looking forward to spring.

Oh, and I am still enjoying some of the flowers from Helen and William for my birthday.

Of all the happenings (like the new car etc) I totally missed Epiphany this year. Christmas time had ended but my decorations were still up. I hate to actually use the word "decorations" because I find all our things especially the nativities so meaningful. 

A quick photo and then it was time to pack everything up. 

Our "German tree": German candle looking electric lights and a collection of straw ornaments. As a child I used to make straw ornaments. Oh, the memories.

Our "family tree": ornaments our girls made when they were in kindergarten etc, ornaments from trips we took together, things like that. I didn't even put half of it on this year but I enjoyed looking at our collection. I had left unbreakable ones off until the three younger grandsons came and they were very happy to "help" and put them on. 

Our "Chrismon tree": I can't believe how many there are by now. But now I need ideas for a new symbol I have not done yet.

Before and after Christmas I had a lot of email from people looking at the Chrismon blog. Google had changed a setting. Too complicated to explain except it gave me a lot of work. The good thing about it was that I was communicating with many people which I normally don't get to.

But exactly when that was happening I saw this on FaceBook. I don't care about hits but I thought it was funny.

 And that is it for today.

This and that

The time between Christmas and New Year's was somewhat strange. Of course I was pretty busy before, then we had the marvelous topsy turfy time with the children and grandchildren and then suddenly it was quiet. But quiet can be good. You can contemplate about all those nice memories. Well, and you also can straighten out the household a little again and catching up with things you should have done before.
And how did we spent the last day of the year? We had a nice fast walk in the neighborhood again. Felt good. Starting out to comply with New Years resolution early ... or with last years late (?)
James, the man in control of the remote, tried to find something entertaining on TV but no luck really. I remember way back in Germany we (my parents and I) could watch every year "Die Fledermaus bei Johann Strauss". I still would very much enjoy that. The rude and crude doings and comments of Anderson Cooper's sidekick are just not my taste.
So, what did we do? We played "angry birds". Yes, James and I played and high-fived when one of us "got it done" ... while thinking of my Opa Otto and my mother who so enjoyed champaign ... and did accordingly.

January 1st
James had the splendid idea to go on a little longer walk along the river. He wanted to invite me to lunch at Mama Zu's ... but it was closed. Bummer. Oh well, we found a sandwich shop, took it to go and James put it in the backpack. It was too early anyway.
The river was very high and the way James wanted to go was flooded. So we had to take the higher one.

I love circle walks. Much better then having to go back the same way. More then half way we found a nice spot to have our lunch.

A panorama picture.

It was a cold day but sunny. With the right clothing ... That wooly hat is sooooooo flattering (ha-ha).

And we had riparian entertainment. Anybody who watches Hyacinth Bucket on PBS knows what I am referring to.
A bunch of young people were practicing rock climbing on that old bridge pillar.

James was very happy when we found a way he hadn't found before. The walk continued in the middle of the 9th Street Bridge. Nice walk and lovely views. So happy we did it. It felt good.

Slowly working away holiday leftovers. I am getting braver ... no recipes. Sautéing red peppers and quartered brusselsprouds. Delicious!

And here something frustrating. For our daughter's wedding July 2011 I had helped her to make a cookbook with the couples favorite recipes. I had given mine away thinking I could reprint it anytime. 2 years later ... Finally I got serious about it. When I did I found that the font was not right. Checked the new print with Sarah's (on the left) when I visited her next time. Grrrrrr computers. After I thought about it I solved the mystery. I have a new computer now and didn't download the extra fonds. The file was still on my old laptop and voila!

A parcel arrived from my cousin in Germany who is a wonderful knitter. It's for William and Caleb though and I can't open it. Sigh.

Our church celebrates Epiphany, the Feast of the Light. One of my favorite services and it is all done by the youth. I find it very meaningful.

The Christ Candle is of course the first one to be lit and then a little light was lit with the mentioning of others who brought the Light of Christ into the world starting with the Apostles, first Christians, bishops, reformists etc etc to us.

Afterwards there is always a bonfire burning the dry "formerly live" Christmas trees parishioners brought. But it was too cold for me so no photo.

Sunday afternoon (today) the 12th day of Christmas, the last day of Christmas, and the last Christmas party of the season for me. I had invited the women of our church to tea from 3-5 pm to our house. I had a wonderful time because they are all such nice people. Took a few pictures in the beginning but then forgot.

Table decorations. I have made Fröbelsterne (Moravian stars) as long as I can remember. I had enough for each lady to take one home. Thanks for coming Pat A., Ruth B., Max B., Louise B., Patsy B., Barbara C., Julie C., Sally D., Betty H., Betty H., Marci J., Barbara L., N'neka L., Susan M., Ann R., Jean R., Kim S. and Mom Marty, Carolyn W., and Annette W. I had such a great time!

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Christmas

Sunday (12-22) William was very excited when they drove to Nashville Airport because he wanted to go to Omi's house in an airplane in the air high and fast but then he was very disappointed when they were only getting a rental car. He did like though that they drove half way and stayed in a hotel with a pool and he could go swimming.
They arrived Monday afternoon and yes, Flädlesuppe was on the menu (see earlier blog)
December 24th
We played with the train tracks. Since William loves his train set so much and we now have two little boys in the family, Omi and Grandpa decided it would make sense to have some tracks in our house. Huge success. What we bought came with 2 engines "Brewster" and "Old Puffer Pete" but I had alerted Helen and they had brought a couple of his.
When he saw me taking a picture he said "cheese". Funny.

While he was playing downstairs, his Mama was wrapping up upstairs.

And then Sarah, Wade and Caleb arrived.

We were sitting around in the living room talking and laughing and playing when a UPS man came to the door.

Wade's parents had sent this Danish Kringle to us and we decided right then that it was time for "Elevensies". James asked "Where is the extra large round plate? I can only find the oblong ones." We searched and it took a while but finally I found it.

And when he had unpacked the Kringle he found that we needed the oblong one after all.

OMG it didn't take long. It was really good.

James thought this was funny. Refreeze what?

Sarah and Co went home for a while and, as you can see, William helped to "spot-vacuum".

And then Grandpa was in charge of William while we had things to do. William wanted to watch a little TV and we can see what Papa was watching, ha-ha.

Christmas Eve eve.
We all met at church for the 5 pm service. 8 really don't fit in one pew so James and I decided to scoot into the next one. What a wonderful problem to have. Somehow I was very happy and teary eyed. After the service we all went to our house and had dinner. Taco salad is just the thing when there is so much "heavy" food around otherwise.
And then we played some more...

...and did the first round of present opening. Wade is opening Caleb's who got a beautiful quilt made by Auntie Helen. Since she could not make most of it before she knew the name she still has to do the hand sewing of the binding. I just know she will do a night shift before she goes home again.

William said "He is cute"

And then there was talk about the size of the feet.

Before bedtime Helen and William did a quick scattering of reindeer food outside. Brrrrrr it is cold lately.

Santa's plate and milk are ready too and then Helen and William read the beautiful story of "What God wants for Christmas" which is an interactive nativity for children. It's their wonderful new tradition. I loved it.

Christmas Day

We all slept a little longer and William is not quite awake yet when he comes down the stairs. But Santa has been.

He isn't quite sure what to think of it. He is not into ripping packages open. Here is a video!
Unfortunately I cut the video off just a moment too early. You should have seen his eyes when he saw what it was. So happy!

But very soon he was playing with trains again ... and one new engine and two caboose.

Sarah and family came around 10 am as discussed for brunch. Caleb just got "parked" in his spot.

They had brought a breakfast casserole and we had layed other goodies. Help yourself!

William likes to play peek-a-boo through the fireplace.

It's not easy to play with such a little cousin. Video here!
William is also helping Caleb here.

The baby floor mat used to be his.

In the afternoon. Time for Christmas dinner. The turkey and all the trimmings are ready.

Helen made a wonderful sweet potatoe casserole and a sweetheart salad! Ben had made a great dressing. I normally skip the stuffing ... but not this one ... oh no! Sorry, no picture.

And like in all the other many years, James was "the turkey man". Well, and don't forget the bread sauce.

My plate. Skipped the peas and carrots. Had to skip something.

A picture worth a thousand words?

Papa and William share a bedtime snack since there wasn't really dinner.

Yup, it's being worked on. Wondering how long Helen is going to sew?

Night, night, I am tired from too much laziness!

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